A draft law initiated by AUR, POT and independent parliamentarians stipulates that people holding public positions are obliged to register in the Register of self-excluded persons from gambling.
Self-exclusion from games, seen as an obligation of integrity. PHOTO: archive
Officials and heads of public institutions could be forced to self-exclude themselves from gambling activities, according to a bill recently submitted to Parliament by several AUR, POT and independent MPs.
Proponents argue that the proposal aims to strengthen integrity and protect those in positions of public responsibility from the financial temptations associated with gambling.
Specifically, the project proposes to amend the Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 on the organization and exploitation of gambling, introducing a new obligation for persons holding positions of public dignity or management positions in public institutions and authorities: mandatory registration in the National Register of Self-Excluded Persons, administered by the National Gambling Office (ONJN).
Those concerned should register within 15 days of the validation of the mandate or appointment. Proof of enrollment should be submitted to the institution where the person in question works, and failure to comply with the obligation would constitute serious disciplinary misconduct.
“Whoever serves the public interest must be immune to the temptations of financial risk”, support the initiators of the project.
According to the document, ONJN will send to the National Integrity Agency (ANI) every six months the updated list of persons registered in the register, and ANI will verify compliance with the obligation within its control activities.
Currently, self-exclusion from gambling is a voluntary procedure, whereby any person can apply to be included in the respective register to protect themselves from the risk of addiction, financial loss or compulsive behaviour.
Proponents point out that, for public officials, the risks associated with gambling are not just an individual moral issue, but one of public safety and institutional integrity.
“The proposed measure does not restrict a fundamental right, but regulates an obligation of integrity”, it is shown in the statement of reasons.
International models
Such a measure has already been adopted in several countries:
* In Norway, civil servants are automatically registered in the national gambling operator’s database and cannot participate in such activities.
* In Sweden, there is a national self-exclusion system that automatically blocks those in government office for the duration of their term.
* In Singapore, the law governing the operation of casinos prohibits public officials and military personnel from gambling, including online.
* In Canada, MPs, government employees and police officers can be automatically barred from gambling activities under public ethics rules
* In the UK, gambling law allows the participation of officials who have access to confidential information to be restricted.
The legislative initiative proposed by AUR, POT and independent parliamentarians is currently in the preliminary stage, and will receive the necessary approvals before being debated in the parliamentary committees.
